Victoria R.

Victoria is a dedicated writer who graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She currently writes freelance pieces for various sites and works in Marketing for Myndbee Inc., promoting their current mobile app, Picpal.

First and foremost, don't buy them without first attending class and learning which ones you will need. I would give it a little time and see if you'll actually need them or not. From there, it's always cheaper to rent them, so I would consider... (more)

First and foremost, don't buy them without first attending class and learning which ones you will need. I would give it a little time and see if you'll actually need them or not. From there, it's always cheaper to rent them, so I would consider that as well. You can also look up e-books and potentially save money there.

These can be a bit tough, so the best you can do is to combine schoolwork with fun things. For example, if you have an essay to write and it's due in a week, take the seven days to write it in parts so that you have time for other things those... (more)

These can be a bit tough, so the best you can do is to combine schoolwork with fun things. For example, if you have an essay to write and it's due in a week, take the seven days to write it in parts so that you have time for other things those days as well. Of course, if you'd rather get it over with you can do that as well, but this way you aren't really losing any of your vacation time either.

I always looked up professors on ratemyprofessor.com as well as asked around for feedback on specific courses. It's also a good idea to visit an Academic Advisor to make sure you're on track and ensure that you aren't missing any classes etc. that will be needed later on for graduation.

I had a lot on my plate during school as well. The best thing you can do is stay organized. I would create schedules for myself so I didn't start falling behind and always had some sort of agenda for the day so I was able to fit everything in. I think that's a good starting point at least!

My sister is notorious for this with her bunny's cage. You basically have to ask them, without any implication of annoyance, if it's possible for them to clean it more often due to the smell. You know your roommate better than anyone else, so... (more)

My sister is notorious for this with her bunny's cage. You basically have to ask them, without any implication of annoyance, if it's possible for them to clean it more often due to the smell. You know your roommate better than anyone else, so gauge their attitude and work with it. Basically, try your best not to come off as combative.

I have never heard of an informal dress code. That being said, you shouldn't be wearing pajamas to class etc. However, I don't believe that there is any form of problem with wearing comfortable clothes. While you do always want to dress to... (more)

I have never heard of an informal dress code. That being said, you shouldn't be wearing pajamas to class etc. However, I don't believe that there is any form of problem with wearing comfortable clothes. While you do always want to dress to impress, especially in grad school (as there are networking opportunities everywhere), this isn't a requirement in any way.

I would say that yes, this could come off as rude. I recommend picking up a fidget spinner or something similar that's concealable but helps to keep you focused during class. Essentially, it can look like you aren't paying attention, even if that... (more)

I would say that yes, this could come off as rude. I recommend picking up a fidget spinner or something similar that's concealable but helps to keep you focused during class. Essentially, it can look like you aren't paying attention, even if that isn't the case, so you'll want to be careful with that.

It entirely depends on your situation. Personally, I was able to take a once in a lifetime study abroad that I wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise. that being said, some programs aren't like that. So take a look at what the school is... (more)

It entirely depends on your situation. Personally, I was able to take a once in a lifetime study abroad that I wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise. that being said, some programs aren't like that. So take a look at what the school is offering and do some price and experience comparisons and you'll have your answer!

I think your best bet here is to stick to water (and often, your doctor will provide you with options as well). I believe you're allowed to have gatorade as well, though you'll want to run that by your doctor. I found gatorade was a good choice... (more)

I think your best bet here is to stick to water (and often, your doctor will provide you with options as well). I believe you're allowed to have gatorade as well, though you'll want to run that by your doctor. I found gatorade was a good choice for me, as it kept up my blood sugar although I wasn't eating, which was definitely a good thing.

I would do a little research to this end, as there are sometimes alternate options where you can bring your recycling in to ensure that it's picked up (and there are even some services that will come out to you directly and pick up your recycling.

Unfortunately, thin walls go with the college territory, and complaining really isn't going to get you anywhere, as they aren't going to build thicker walls.
That being said, you can take action on your end in purchasing headphones or earplugs... (more)

Unfortunately, thin walls go with the college territory, and complaining really isn't going to get you anywhere, as they aren't going to build thicker walls.

That being said, you can take action on your end in purchasing headphones or earplugs and being respectful of your neighbors as well. You can also always ask the neighbor to be quiet during specific times if you need to study etc. so long as you approach them in a polite way.

I think it's important to have a primary care doctor. This way, you have someone that has all your medical history on file. Campus doctors are nice in that they are free and good for regular check-ups, but having a primary care doctor provides you... (more)

I think it's important to have a primary care doctor. This way, you have someone that has all your medical history on file. Campus doctors are nice in that they are free and good for regular check-ups, but having a primary care doctor provides you someone for when you graduate, when you're home from school and when you have something more serious you need taken care of.

It's very hard this time of year to stay motivated. That being said, I think it's important to take mental breaks in which you can do fun, holiday things (such as present wrapping, Christmas movie watching/cookie baking, etc.), that way you don't... (more)

It's very hard this time of year to stay motivated. That being said, I think it's important to take mental breaks in which you can do fun, holiday things (such as present wrapping, Christmas movie watching/cookie baking, etc.), that way you don't feel rushed and can have a healthy combination of studying and preparing for finals/final papers.

I personally subscribe to the Skimm, which sends an email to your personal email every day with highlights from the news in a readable format (so you don't have to read through entire news articles to get the stories).
I just learned of this... (more)

I personally subscribe to the Skimm, which sends an email to your personal email every day with highlights from the news in a readable format (so you don't have to read through entire news articles to get the stories).

I just learned of this recently and wish I'd been using it longer, as it's a huge time savor and I feel like I'm always in the know!

I agree that gift cards are always a good choice, though I tend to go for party games (such as Cards Against Humanity, Pictionary, etc. depending on the type of party you're attending). They're relatively inexpensive, but still demonstrate that... (more)

I agree that gift cards are always a good choice, though I tend to go for party games (such as Cards Against Humanity, Pictionary, etc. depending on the type of party you're attending). They're relatively inexpensive, but still demonstrate that you put thought into it, and most people do appreciate these games as well.

I would either speak with them after class or attend office hours to explain that this is uncharacteristic and to demonstrate that you are dedicated to the class and to all future assignments. You can also use this as an opportunity to ask for... (more)

I would either speak with them after class or attend office hours to explain that this is uncharacteristic and to demonstrate that you are dedicated to the class and to all future assignments. You can also use this as an opportunity to ask for extra credit work (if allowed, as some universities do not allow this) to show your commitment as well.

Everyone loves holiday cookies, and I was recently scrolling through Pinterest and found way more recipes than I knew what to do with! I recommend taking a look and picking out a few that sound like they'd work!

I think in these situations, honesty is the best policy. Let her know that you appreciate all she does for you, but that it's not financially possible for you to reciprocate. Then, make it up to her by doing something more personal (such as... (more)

I think in these situations, honesty is the best policy. Let her know that you appreciate all she does for you, but that it's not financially possible for you to reciprocate. Then, make it up to her by doing something more personal (such as planning a movie night or something similar that doesn't cost anything. but that requires planning efforts). If you let her know your situation and she's a good friend, I'm sure she'll understand and appreciate the transparency.

This largely depends on your assignment, but I recommend being honest and really digging deep. Most people will simply write about the tasks they completed and why that's beneficial. Take it a step further. What did you learn in terms of skills,... (more)

This largely depends on your assignment, but I recommend being honest and really digging deep. Most people will simply write about the tasks they completed and why that's beneficial. Take it a step further. What did you learn in terms of skills, interpersonal and career related? How will they help you in the future? What potential situations may arise in which you would need these skills? Just take the time to think it through and you'll be fine.